Bold prediction: Just as Eli Manning became a redefined man in the wake of his Super Bowl XLII win, Flacco will follow suit on Sunday. This is when Flacco settles any doubts about his value as an elite quarterback.

Daniel Jeremiah NFL.com and NFL Network

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Why the 49ers will win: Almost every individual matchup seems to favor the 49ers. San Francisco's defense is equipped to limit the Ravens' run game.

Why the Ravens will win: I'm rooting for Baltimore because Ravens tight end Billy Bajema is one of my best friends from back home -- I also played with him in St. Louis -- and I want him to get a ring. I think it's going to be a great game with two great teams.

Why the Ravens will win: The natural order of life dictates that the older sibling (Baltimore coach John Harbaugh) is supposed to beat the younger brother (San Francisco coach Jim Harbaugh). (Note: This writer is a big sister.)

Why the 49ers will win: The numbers favor San Francisco, though it's worth noting that the numbers favored the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots, too, and Baltimore knocked off both. But the Niners match up a little too well with the Ravens. As long as it doesn't come down to David Akers, I think San Francisco prevails.

Bold prediction: Beyoncé will sing live at halftime. Ray Lewis will finally get to say he's going to Disney World. And Alex Smith walks off the field wearing an Arizona Cardinals hat.

Dave Dameshek NFL.com and NFL Network

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Why the 49ers will win: Except for when they're facing Russell Wilson's Seattle Seahawks, the Niners' defense is clearly the NFL's best. San Francisco will prove that by picking off the interception-allergic Joe Flacco a couple of times.